South Africa’s Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, has been making headlines this year as he tabled the National Budget not once, not twice, but three times. This comes after the initial budget was rejected by President Cyril Ramaphosa, leading to a reshuffling of the cabinet and a new Finance Minister being appointed.

Godongwana, who was appointed as Finance Minister in August this year, has been met with many challenges as he navigates the country’s economic recovery from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his persistence and determination have been evident as he presented the National Budget three times, each time making improvements and adjustments to better serve the needs of the country.

The first National Budget was presented in February 2021, but it was met with strong criticism from various sectors. President Ramaphosa rejected the budget, stating that it did not adequately address the needs of the country and its citizens. This led to a reshuffling of the cabinet, with Godongwana being appointed as the new Finance Minister.

In his second attempt, Godongwana presented a revised budget in July. This time, the budget was well-received by the President and other government officials, but it still needed some improvements. The Finance Minister took into consideration the feedback and suggestions and went back to the drawing board.

And finally, on October 27th, Godongwana tabled the National Budget for the third time. This time, it was a budget that truly reflected the needs of South Africa and its people, and it was approved by the President and the Parliament. The budget focuses on economic recovery, job creation, and social development, with a strong emphasis on addressing the inequalities and challenges faced by the country.

One of the major highlights of the budget is the increase in social grants and the implementation of various relief measures to assist struggling households. This shows the Finance Minister’s commitment to ensuring that the most vulnerable in society are taken care of during these challenging times.

Furthermore, the budget also addresses the issue of unemployment, which has been a pressing concern in South Africa. Godongwana has allocated funds for various job creation initiatives, including the expansion of the public employment program and support for small and medium enterprises. This will not only create jobs but also stimulate economic growth and reduce the country’s high unemployment rate.

In addition to this, the budget also focuses on promoting sustainable economic growth through investments in infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. These investments will not only create job opportunities but also improve the quality of life for all South Africans.

It is evident that Godongwana has worked tirelessly to present a budget that is inclusive, progressive, and addresses the needs of the country. His dedication and commitment to serving the people of South Africa have been commendable, and it is no surprise that the National Budget was approved on his third attempt.

The Finance Minister’s ability to adapt and make necessary changes to the budget shows his strong leadership skills and his determination to do what is best for the country. His consultations with various stakeholders and his willingness to listen to feedback have also played a significant role in the success of the National Budget.

In conclusion, the presentation of the National Budget three times by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is a testament to his resilience and determination in serving the country. The approved budget reflects his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by South Africa and setting the country on a path towards economic recovery and growth. As citizens, we can be confident that our government is working towards a better and brighter future for all.